DRAM signal margin test method

ABSTRACT

In the Preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bit line pair is coupled through a pair of high-resistance pass gates to a sense amp. During sense, the high-resistance pass gates act in conjunction with the charge stored on the bit line pair as, effectively, a high-resistance passive load for the sense amp. A control circuit selectively switches on and off bit line equalization coincident with selectively passing either the equalization voltage or set voltages to the sense amp and an active sense amp load. Further, after it is set, the sense amp is selectively connected to LDLs through low-resistance column select pass gates. Therefore, the sense amp quickly discharges one of the connected LDL pair while the bit line voltage remains essentially unchanged. Thus, data is passed from the sense amp to a second sense amplifier and off chip. After data is passed to the LDLs, the control circuit enables the active sense amp load to pull the sense amp high side to a full up level. Additionally, because the control circuit uses the equalization voltage to disable the sense amp, cell signal margin may be tested in a new way. Instead of varying the sense amp reference voltage, as in prior art signal margin tests, cell signal margin is tested by varying cell signal. V S  may be selected to determine both a high and a low signal margin.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to application Ser. No. 08/535,702 to J. K. Debrosse, et al., entitled "A Dynamic Random Access Memory With A Simple Test Arrangement", now U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,739, and to application Ser. No. 08/535,704 to Kaytoh, et al., entitled "A DATA SENSE CIRCUIT FOR DYNAMIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES", now U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,630, both assigned to the Assignee of the present Application, filed coincident herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to semiconductor memories and more particularly to methods of testing semiconductor memories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Memory cell defects and memory array defects have many sources and, as a result, many signatures. While single, isolated cell failures may be scattered throughout the array, very often, multiple cells in the same vicinity fail. When multi-cell failures occur, these failures may be characterized as a word line failure, (i.e. failing cells with the same word line address), a bit (or column) line failure (i.e. failing cells with the same bit address), or both. The sources of these multi-cell failures vary. Consequently, memory arrays are tested extensively to identify defective cells.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art wide Input/Output (I/O) 16 Mb DRAM chip. The chip 100 is organized with two Redundant Bit Lines (RBL) 102 and 104 providing two spare columns in each subarray 106. Each subarray 106 includes 2^(n) Bit Line (BL) pairs 108 (where n is typically between 5 and 8) and one or more redundant bit line pairs (2 in this example). As used hereinafter, reference to a bit line refers to a complementary pair of lines. Each of the subarrays 106 is part of a subarray block 110. All of the subarray blocks 110, collectively, form the entire RAM array. So, for example, a 16 Mb RAM has 16 blocks 110 of 1 Mb each. Block size, subarray size and the number of subarrays 106 per block 110 are interdependent and, selected based on performance and design objectives.

Multiple bits of a subarray block 110 are accessed (read from or written to) when one word line 112 is selected and driven high. Data from accessed cells are provided simultaneously to the bit lines 108 and redundant bit lines 102 and 104. After a predetermined minimum delay, a delay sufficient to allow the redundancy decoder to determine whether a spare column is addressed, a single bit line 108 or a redundant bit line 102, 104 is selected in each subarray 106. In each subarray, the selected bit line 108 or redundant bit line 102, 104 is coupled to a Local Data Line (LDL) 114. LDLs 114 are coupled to Master Data Lines (MDLs) 116. The MDLs 116 couple corresponding subarrays 106 in each subarray block 110. Data is transferred between the subarrays 106 and the chip I/O's on the MDLs 116.

FIG. 2 is a transistor level cross-sectional schematic of a bit line 108 in a subarray 106. Cells 120, 122 connected to adjacent word lines 112, 118 also are connected to opposite lines 124, 126 of each bit line pair. Thus, half of the word lines 112 (e.g., word lines with even addresses) select cells 120 on one line 124 of the bit line pair. While the remaining half of the word lines 118, (odd addressed word lines) select the cells 122 on the other lines 126 of the bit line pair. Each cell's storage capacitor (C_(S)) 128 is, typically, a trench capacitor or a stacked structure for array density. Each bit line 124, 126 has essentially the same capacitance (C_(BL)).

As is known in the art, the maximum voltage that an FET will pass is its gate voltage (V_(G)) reduced by the FET's turn-on or threshold voltage (V_(T)), i.e., the storage capacitors 128, 138 voltage V_(S) =V_(G) -V_(T). The magnitude of the bit line signal is C_(S) *V_(S) /(C_(S) +C_(BL)). During a write, if a bit line 124, 126 (C_(BL)) is charged to the supply voltage level V_(dd) (also referred to as V_(h)) and if the word line 112, 118 is also at V_(dd), then V_(S) =V_(dd) -V_(T). Normally, the bit lines are pre-charged to some known voltage, e.g. V_(dd) /2, prior to reading a cell. Therefore, the bit line signal V_(SIG) =C_(S) (V_(S) -V_(dd) /2)/(C_(S) +C_(BL)). With V_(S) =V_(dd) -V_(T) or 0, then either V_(SIG) =C_(S) (V_(dd) /2-V_(T))/(C_(S) +C_(BL)) or, V_(SIG) =-C_(S) (V_(dd) /2)/(C_(S) +C_(BL)). So, to maximize bit line signal V_(SIG), the word line 112, 118 is boosted during a write, typically, to at least V_(dd) +V_(T) so that V_(S) =V_(dd) is written into the cell. This boosted level, called V_(PP), is normally generated on-chip, with V_(PP) =V_(dd) +V_(T), V_(SIG) =±C_(S) (V_(dd) /2)/(C_(S) +C_(BL)).

The circuit of FIG. 2A operates according to the timing diagram of FIG. 2B. A "one" is stored in any cell 120, 122 by charging the cell's storage capacitor 128, 138. Prior to selecting a cell 120 or 122, the array is at its steady-state standby or pre-charge condition. The voltage on the bit line pair 124, 126 is pulled to V_(dd) /2 and equalized by equalization transistor 134 because equalization signal EQ on its gate 132 is high. The Word Lines (WL) 112, 118 and Column SeLect (CSL) lines 146 are held low during standby. In prior art RAMs, each word line was clamped low (unless driven high) by a simple resetable latch (not shown).

When the chip's Row Address Strobe signal (RAS) is asserted indicating the array is to be accessed, EQ is pulled low, isolating the bit line pair from each other and from the V_(dd) /2 pre-charge supply, floating each line of the pair at V_(dd) /2. A selected word line 112 (or 118) is driven high. The cell's access gate 130 is turned on in each cell 120 on the selected word line 112, coupling the accessed cell's storage capacitor 128 to line 124 of the bit line pair. Thus, V_(SIG) develops when charge is transferred between the storage capacitor 128 and line 124. The other line 126 of the bit line pair 124, 126 remains at its pre-charge voltage level V_(dd) /2 and serves as a reference voltage for the sense amplifier 140.

Typically, bit line capacitance is at least one order of magnitude larger than the storage capacitor 128. So, V_(SIG) is normally at least an order of magnitude smaller than V_(dd). To maximize charge transfer between the bit line 124 and the storage capacitor 128, the word line 112 is boosted to V_(PP) ≧V_(dd) +V_(t). Thus one line of the pair (124 or 126) remains at V_(dd) /2, while the other (126 or 124) is driven to V_(dd) /2+V_(SIG) =(V_(dd) /2) (1±C_(S))/(C_(S) +C_(BL)).

After a delay sufficient to develop V_(SIG), i.e. to transfer V_(S) to the bit line, the sense amp 140 is set by driving the Sense Amp Enable (SAE) line 142 high and, subsequently, by pulling its inverse (SAE) 144 low. V_(SIG) is amplified and re-driven on the bit line pair 124, 126 by the sense amp, which forces 124, 126 High/Low or Low/High depending on data stored in the cell 120. Simultaneously with re-driving the bit line pair, the sense amp writes the sensed data back into the selected cell 120. Once all of the bit lines 124, 126 have been re-driven, a Column SeLect signal (CSL) rises to activate the column decoder for column i. So, driving CSL 146 high selects column i in each accessed subarray 106 by connecting the selected column i bit line pair 124, 126 to the LDLs 148, 150 through pass gates 152, 154.

One source of cell failures stems from inadequate (cell) signal margin. During initial manufacturing tests, at ideal operating conditions, all of the cells may appear good. However, in writing some cells, not all of the charge may be stored nor retained (known as a weak "1") or C_(S) may not be fully discharged (known as a weak "0"). In other than ideal operating conditions, these cells may not consistently reflect the data written into them. Such a failing cell may appear acceptable under test conditions, but when used in system memory, the cell may fail, intermittently. So, it is important to identify such cells (with marginal stored data levels) during test.

FIG. 3 represents a bit line pair 124, 126 upon which cell signal margin may be tested by a prior art approach. In this prior art test, the bit line pre-charge voltage V_(PRE) is varied. Normally, as described for FIG. 2A, Φ_(EQ) 132 is high during restore and low during sense. Pre-charge FETs 156, 158 are connected between V_(PRE) and bit lines 124 ,126 respectively. Under normal operating conditions, V_(PRE) is set to V_(dd) /2. However, during test, V_(PRE) is intentionally varied to reduce V_(SIG) and change the sense amp reference voltage. Since V_(PRE) is varied form V_(dd) /2, V_(SIG) =C_(S) (V_(S) -V_(PRE))/(C_(S) +C_(BL)). So, for example, if V_(PRE) is reduced below V_(dd) /2, the difference between V_(PRE) and 0 V is reduced so that the 0 data signal is reduced.

However raising or lowering V_(PRE) affects the sense amp 140 operation in ways unrelated to signal margin. If, for example V_(PRE) <V_(TN), then, when SAE is driven high to set the sense amps, neither of the sense amp cross coupled NFETs may turn on. Sensing is therefore through the significantly slower cross coupled PFETs. So, on prior art RAMs, to insure that the sense amps function correctly, V_(PRE) cannot be reduced below V_(TN). Furthermore, because V_(SIG) is dependant upon V_(PRE), varying V_(PRE) significantly from V_(dd) /2 alters the time it takes for V_(SIG) to develop. Altering this time makes it difficult to determine whether testing failures are due to poor signal margin and, therefore, real or, instead, the result of not allowing adequate time for signal development and, therefore, false errors.

Other prior art signal margin test schemes required additional chip space for reference cells or for special test circuitry. These other prior art signal margin test schemes also were not very reliable.

PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION

It is a purpose of the present invention to reduce semiconductor memory test time.

It is another purpose of the present invention to simplify semiconductor memory test.

It is yet another purpose of the present invention to reduce the time required to identify defective semiconductor memory chips.

It is yet another purpose of the present invention to simplify initial semiconductor memory chip test screening.

It is yet another purpose of the present invention to increase RAM signal test accuracy.

It is yet another purpose of the present invention to reduce RAM chip area dedicated for signal test.

It is yet another purpose of the invention to reduce test induced noise during RAM cell signal margin tests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control circuit uses the equalization voltage to disable the sense amp. Thus, cell signal margin may be tested in a new way. Instead of varying the sense amp reference voltage, as in prior art signal margin tests, cell signal margin is tested by varying the cell signal V_(S). V_(S) may be selected, to determine both a high and a low signal margin. A bit line pair is coupled through a pair of high-resistance pass gates to a sense amp. During sense, the high-resistance pass gates act in conjunction with the charge stored on the bit line pair as, effectively, a high-resistance passive load for the sense amp. A control circuit selectively switches on and off bit line equalization coincident with selectively passing either the equalization voltage or set voltages to the sense amp and an active sense amp load. Further, after it is set, the sense amp is selectively connected to LDLs through low-resistance column select pass gates. Therefore, the sense amp quickly discharges one of the connected LDL pair while the bit line voltage remains essentially unchanged. Thus, data is passed from the sense amp to a second sense amplifier and off chip. After data is passed to the LDLs, the control circuit enables the active sense amp load to pull the sense amp high side to a full up level.

A method of determining cell signal margin in a Dynamic Random access Memory (DRAM) comprising the steps of: a) writing a reduced signal into a plurality of memory cells; b) reading each cell in the plurality of memory cells; c) comparing the data read with an expected result; and d) reducing the signal and repeating steps a)-c) until the data read is different from the expected result. The step of writing the reduced signal comprises the steps of: i) driving a plurality of word lines high; ii) forcing a sense amp enable and a plurality of bit lines to a test voltage level; and iii) driving the word lines low. The step of reading data from each cell comprises the steps of: i) driving a selected word line high; ii) enabling sense amps after a signal develops on the bit lines in response to the selected word line, the sense amp setting in response to the signal; iii) selectively coupling the set sense amp to a Local Data Line (LDL), whereby the data is driven onto the LDL; and, the iv) latching the data into the sense amp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art Wide I/O RAM.

FIG. 2A is a transistor level cross-sectional schematic of a prior art segment.

FIG. 2B is a timing diagram for the cross section of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 represents a RAM bit line equalization testable according to the prior art method.

FIGS. 4A-C schematically represents an array cross section, a sense circuit and control logic according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram for the RAM of FIGS. 4A-C for determining cell signal margin according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for testing DRAM cell signal margin according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the Preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bit line pair is coupled through a pair of high-resistance pass gates to a sense amp. During sense, the high-resistance pass gates act in conjunction with the charge stored on the bit line pair as, effectively, a high-resistance passive load for the sense amp. A control circuit selectively switches on and off bit line equalization coincident with selectively passing either the equalization voltage or set voltages to enable the sense amp. Further, after it is set, the sense amp is selectively connected to LDLs, which are pre-charged to V_(dd), through low-resistance column select pass gates. The column select pass gates, which are NFETs, allow passing data to the LDLs prior to setting the active sense amp load even though the LDLs are pre-charged to V_(dd). The NFET threshold prevents the V_(dd) pre-charge from destroying the sensed data. Therefore, the sense amp quickly discharges one of the connected LDL pair while the bit line voltage remains essentially unchanged. Thus, data is passed from the sense amp to a second sense amplifier and off chip. After data is passed to the LDLs, the control circuit enables the active sense amp load to pull the sense amp high side to a full up level. Finally, the gate voltage on the high resistance pass gates is boosted to reduce their select resistance in order to quickly write the sensed data back into the array.

Additionally, because the equalization voltage is provided by the control circuit to disable the sense amp, cell signal margin may be tested in a new way. Instead of varying the sense amp reference voltage, as in prior art signal margin tests, cell signal margin is tested by varying the signal written to the cell. V_(S) may be selected to determine both a high and a low signal margin. FIG. 4A schematically represents an array cross section with a sense amp shared by two bit line pairs and FIG. 4B is a schematic of control logic therefor according to the present invention. It is intended that each sense amp may be connected to a single bit line pair, or to two or more bit line pairs without departing from the spirit of the present invention. FIG. 4C is a block diagram of the sense amp, column switch and mux of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4A shows the sense amp 166 shared by two bit line pairs, a right pair and a left pair. For convenience these pairs, and elements in each pair, are labeled L and R. Thus, the cell in the left pair is designated 160L and the cell in the right pair is designated 160R. Each bit line pair includes an equalization circuit 162L, 162R, gated by a restore line 163L, 163R, which operates substantially as described above. Additionally, in this shared sense amp configuration, each bit line pair is coupled to the sense amp by a pair high-resistance pass gates 164L or 164R, which are half of a multiplexor (mux). Each pair is referred to herein as a mux half 164L, 164R. The mux 164 (164L combined with 164R) is controlled by select lines 165L, 165R, respectively, to selectively couple the selected bit line pair to the sense amp 166. The sense amp 166 is a pair of cross coupled NFETs 168, 170 and is enabled by Φ_(N) from the control circuit 185 in FIG. 4B. Φ_(N) is connected to the sources of NFETs 168, 170. The sense amp 166 output is connected to the mux 164 at sense amp output pair BL, BL.

The sense amp is designed to minimize the capacitance on BL, BL so that during a READ, the bit line pair sees a low RC in the mux direction, as indicated by the arrow labelled I_(SIG) in FIG. 4C. By contrast, the sense amp 166 sees a high RC in the mux direction, as indicated by the arrow labelled I_(SA) in FIG. 4C. Therefore, when the sense amp is coupled to a bit line pair through a mux half 164L, 164R, the signal on the bit line pair is passed to the sense amp, substantially unaffected. However, when the sense amp 166 is set, the mux pass gates act as load resistors for the sense amp and the voltages on the bit line pair remain essentially unaffected.

Data, from the sense amp is provided to column switch 176, which is a pair of low resistance NFET pass gates 178, 180. Column switch 176 connects the sense amp 166 output at BL, BL to Local Data Lines (LDLs) 182, 184, when CSL₁ 186 is high. These column switch pass gates 178, 180 have a substantially lower on resistance than the mux half 164L, 164R pass gates. Therefore, when the set sense amp 166 is connected to the LDLs through the column switch 176, the primary current through the sense amp 166 is I_(LDL) from the LDLs, even though a mux half 164L, 164R remains selected and current continues to flow through the selected mux half. Because the column switch 176 is a pair of NFETs, the potential disturb from coupling the charged (to V_(dd)) LDL capacitances to the sense amp is essentially eliminated. The NFET pass gates, because of the NFET threshold voltage, effectively attenuate the noise that is normally introduced in such coupling. Thus, the disturb is eliminated. LDLs 182, 184 are connected through the MDLs to a traditional sense amp (not shown). This second sense amp exploits the advantages provided by the present invention to improve performance by amplifying the sense amp 166 output as soon as the sense amp 166 places sufficient signal on the LDLs 182, 184.

After the data is passed to the LDLs, an active sense amp load, a pair of cross coupled PFETs 172, 174, connected to the sense amp 166 output pair BL, BL, latches the data sensed thereby and provides a full V_(dd) up level and reinforces and during a normal write. Φ_(P), the active sense amp load enable from control circuit 185, is connected to the sources of cross coupled PFETs 172, 174.

Unlike prior art DRAM sensing schemes such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,214 to Fujishima et al., entitled "Shared-Sense Amp Control signal Generating Circuit in Dynamic Type Semiconductor Memory Device and Operating Method Therefor" which is incorporated herein by reference, these two cross coupled PFETs are not part of the sense amp. Fujishima teaches a RAM wherein the bit lines are connected to the sense amp by low resistance pass gates. Fujishima's pass gates' low resistance is further reduced when, after enabling and setting the NFET half of the sense amp, the drive to the bit line pass gates is boosted above V_(dd) coincident with enabling the PFET portion of the sense amp. At this point, the sense amp drives full voltage levels back into the bit line pair. Only after setting this PFET half of Fujishima's sense amp are the column select pass gates opened, thus delaying data from being driven off chip.

By contrast, with the present invention, data has already been passed off chip prior to setting this active load. Furthermore, access time has not been extended for discharging and charging the bit line pair to full voltage levels prior to transferring data off chip. Instead, the bit line pair are driven to full levels subsequent to passing data off chip to a waiting user and still after the PFET loads 172, 174 are set.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the first bit of a block is read, the mux select line is boosted above V_(dd) to gate full levels to the bit line pair from the sense amp 166 and the active sense amp load. When the mux control is boosted above V_(dd), substantially all sense amp current I_(SA) is to/from the bit line pair.

The special control circuit 185 of FIG. 4B provides both normal control and test-specific control for the array, the sense amp and the active sense amp load. Control circuit 185 input, Test control SIGnal T_(SIG), remains high and is driven low during test only. T_(SIG) is NANDed with Φ_(SA) in NAND gate 190 to generate Sense Amp Enable SAE. SAE is connected directly to the gates of NFETs 192, 194, which are connected between V_(PRE) and Φ_(P) or Φ_(N), respectively. So, the state of SAE selects the level of both sense amp enable/disable phase Φ_(N) and active sense amp load enable/disable phase Φ_(P). SAE is the input to inverter 196. The output of inverter 196, SAE, is connected to the gate of NFET 198 which is connected between Φ_(N) and ground. Also, SAE is the input of delay 200, the output of which is connected to the gate of PFET 202. PFET 202 is connected between V_(dd) and Φ_(P) to provide a corresponding path to V_(dd) for cross coupled PFETs 172, 174.

T_(SIG) is also NANDed in one or more NAND gates, represented by single NAND gate 204, with Φ_(EQ) to generate Φ_(PREL) and Φ_(PRER) (Φ_(PREL),R). Preferably, Φ_(EQ) is two independent signals Φ_(EQL) and Φ_(EQR), which are each NANDed with T_(SIG). Alternatively, an additional L/R select signal may be NANDed with Φ_(EQ) and T_(SIG) to generate Φ_(PREL),R. Optionally Φ_(PREL) and Φ_(PRER) may be, simply, identical signals generated from NANDing Φ_(EQ) and T_(SIG).

At steady state, during standby, RAS is high and, T_(SIG) is normally high. Both Φ_(EQ) and Φ_(SA) are low, holding Φ_(PREL),R and SAE high, so that the bit lines and both Φ_(N) and Φ_(P) are at V_(PRE) (to disable the sense amp 166). However, during an access, after SAE is high, (RAS and SAE are low), Φ_(P) is high (at V_(dd)) and ₁₀₁ _(N) is low (at ground). Thus, NFET 198 selectively provides a path to ground for the sense amplifier 160, when it is turned on and PFET 202 selectively provides a path to V_(dd) for the sense amplifier active load, when it is turned on.

SAE is delayed by delay 200 until after the sense amp is set and passed through the column switch 176 to LDLs 182, 184. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, delay 200 is a simple polysilicon RC delay with inverters for reforming the signal therefrom. In another alternate embodiment, delay 200 is an even number of series connected inverters and, more particularly, between 6 and 8 inverters.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram for performing a signal margin test on the array of FIG. 4A using the logic of FIG. 4B according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for testing a DRAM according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Normally, T_(SIG) is tied high. RAS, which provides a typical DRAM select function, drives a typical timing chain that selects and drives the word line WL, bit line equalization signal Φ_(EQ) and sense amp enable signal Φ_(SA). Under normal operating conditions V_(PRE) is held at V_(dd) /2 and is varied therefrom only during test. During test, V_(PRE) is from a controllable, variable voltage power supply that provides a tester controlled supply voltage. All other voltages are within their normal operating limits or slightly beyond during test.

NFETs 192, 194 couple V_(PRE) to Φ_(N) and Φ_(P), normally, during standby, when RAS is high, but also during test, when both T_(SIG) and RAS are low. Φ_(PREL), Φ_(PRER) are low only when equalization signal Φ_(EQ) and Test control SIGnal T_(SIG) are both high. So, the pair of lines in each bit line pair are tied together and to V_(PRE) when RAS is high, but also during test, when both T_(SIG) and RAS are low. V_(PRE) is uncoupled from the bit lines and sense amp during sense. Preferably Φ_(P), Φ_(N), and Φ_(PREL),R are common lines provided to multiple bit lines. Alternatively, the control of Φ_(P), Φ_(N), and Φ_(PREL),R may be generated individually for each bit line pair.

Thus, according to the present invention, measuring cell signal margin is, basically, a two step test. First, in a "Block Write" step 240, a reduced signal is written to all of the cells 160L, 160R. During this first step 240, the bit line voltage level is forced to a test voltage level, V_(TEST). V_(TEST) is a level offset from V_(dd) or ground by some fraction of V_(dd). Loading the test voltage, effectively writes a weak "1" or "0" into the array. Then, in the second basic step 242, the array is read, normally, to determine if the reduced signal can be sensed (read) correctly. Thus, by executing these two basic steps and some ancillary steps, as described herein, a DRAMs signal margin may be determined.

So, first, the Block Write step 240 begins when RAS and T_(SIG) are driven low 244. Next, V_(PRE) is ramped up or down (down in this example) to V_(TEST) 246. Because T_(SIG) is low, all of the word lines WLL and WLR are driven high simultaneously to write the weak signal (V_(PRE)) into the entire array. Optionally, only a portion of the array may be tested by selecting and driving an individual word line or a subset of word lines. Timing Equalization control phase Φ_(EQ) is driven high with the word lines WLL and WLR as during a normal access cycle. However, because T_(SIG) is low, Φ_(EQ) is blocked so that Φ_(PREL),R remains high. Once the word lines are high, timing Sense Amp control phase Φ_(SA) also rises but, is also blocked, because T_(SIG) is low. So, Φ_(P) and Φ_(N) remain at V_(PRE) and the sense amp 166 remains disabled. After storing the test voltage level (V_(PRE)) as V_(S) in all of the cells, RAS rises ending the write operation, placing the RAM in standby (pre-charge). Throughout the Block Write, the sense amp remains disabled and the bit lines remain clamped at V_(PRE) because Φ_(N) and Φ_(P) are clamped at V_(PRE) and pre-charge (equalization) signals Φ_(PREL),R remain high.

Once the block write is complete, the RAM is restored 248, placing it in standby and returning it to its normal operating condition. RAS rising 250 drives all of the word lines and Φ_(SA) low. Next in step 252, V_(PRE) is ramped back to V_(dd) /2, pulling all of the bit line pairs and both Φ_(N) and Φ_(P) back to V_(dd) /2. T_(SIG) is held low until V_(PRE) is returned to V_(dd) /2. Once T_(SIG) rises 252, the Block Write step 240 is complete and the RAM is in its normal operating condition.

After the Block Write step 240, the RAM array is READ 254, 256 to determine whether any cell's signal limit has been exceeded 258. A correct result during the READ indicates that the signal limit has not been exceeded 260 and that some signal margin remains. Therefore, if, in spite of the reduced signal level V_(S), every cell reads correctly 258 (as a low in this example) then, the entire test is repeated with slightly less signal 262 (a slightly higher V_(PRE) level in this example). This test may be repeated until at least some cells fail, indicating that the signal limit has been exceeded 264 ending the test 266. In the example of FIG. 5, the reduced V_(S) gives an incorrect result when the read step indicates that a high is stored in at least one cell.

So, in FIG. 5, during the Read step 242 T_(SIG) is held high and V_(PRE) is maintained at V_(dd) /2. The Read step 242 begins with second period where RAS is low. When Φ_(EQL),R rise, because T_(SIG) remains high, Φ_(PRE) falls shutting off equalization devices 210, 212 and isolating the bit line pairs from V_(PRE) by shutting off NFETs 214, 216, 218, and 220. A word line WLL rises, connecting a cell 160L (with its reduced V_(S)) to the bit line pair BLL, BLL (to BLL in this first READ access). After the reduced signal V_(S) is transferred to the bit line pair BLL, BLL, Φ_(SA) rises again, this time driving SAE low. SAE low turns off NFETs 192, 194, isolating Φ_(P) and Φ_(N) from V_(PRE) . Coincidentally, SAE is inverted in inverter 196 driving SAE high. SAE high turns on NFET 198 to pull Φ_(N) to ground, which sets the sense amp 166. Depending on V_(SIG) the sense amp pulls one of the sense amp outputs BL, BL low.

When the sense amp 166 is set, the selected half mux 164L acts as very high resistance load resistors for the sense amp 166. So, even though one side of the sense amp is pulled to ground, the selected half mux 164L limits the current that the sense amp pulls from the bit line pair and, the bit lines remain essentially at their sense condition, V_(dd) /2 and V_(SIG). It is understood that after sufficient time in this state, the sense amp would discharge one of the bit line pair to ground through the mux 164.

After the sense amp is set, CSL_(i) is driven high opening the column switch 176 connecting the local data lines 182, 184 to sense amp outputs BL, BL, respectively. By contrast to the selected half mux 164L, the column switch pass gates 178, 180 have a much higher width to length ratio (W/L) and, therefore, exhibit much lower resistance. The column switch pass gates 178, 180 are designed such that, when the column switch 176 is selected, most of the current flowing into the sense amp is from the LDLs with the selected half mux 164L providing very little current from the bit line pair. Further, the NFET pass gates 178 and 180 limit the voltage passed from the LDLs to the sense amp 166, avoiding destruction of the sensed data therein.

Thus, almost simultaneously, data is sensed, passed to the LDLs 182, 184 and, then, passed to the MDLs for re-sensing in a second sense amp (not shown). This all occurs prior to setting the cross coupled PFETs 172, 174. This significantly reduces latency over prior art DRAMs, an important advantage.

Subsequently, SAE passes through the delay 200, pulling the gate of PFET 202 low, which drives Φ_(P) to V_(dd). With Φ_(P) at V_(dd), the cross-coupled PFET 172, 174 active sense amp load pulls the floating side of the sense amp high, to V_(dd). Finally, the select is boosted for the selected mux half 165L or 165R to reduce the mux's select resistance such that data is quickly forced onto bit line pair Bl, BL and so, a full level is written back into the cell.

After each read during the test, RAS rises to end the READ and force the RAM into standby. Thus, RAS rising resets the word line WLL, pulling it low. After the word line falls, Φ_(SA) is pulled low. Again, Φ_(SA) is inverted by NAND gate 190 driving SAE high to pull Φ_(P) and Φ_(N) to V_(PRE) through NFETs 192, 194. Once the sense amp is disabled, the equalization signal Φ_(EQ) is pulled low and NAND gate 204 inverts Φ_(EQ) to drive Φ_(PREL),R high. Thus, with Φ_(PREL),R high, equalization NFETs 210, 212 are on to effectively short the bit line pair together, while V_(PRE) (at V_(dd) /2) passes through NFETs 214, 216, 218, and 220 to the bit line pairs.

This typical READ access is repeated as represented by the subsequent fall of RAS in FIG. 5, until all cells of interest are read and, therefore, tested. If, during any READ, an accessed cell provides insufficient bit line signal, the sense amp will sense it incorrectly (fail). Thus, if the array is filled with weak ones, an incorrect result is reading one or more zeroes and vice versa. As noted above, once all of the cells have been read, if no cells fail, then the signal margin exceeds the test voltage (applied during the block write on V_(PRE)). By repeating this test with slightly less signal (i.e., a slightly higher V_(PRE) in this example) on each repetition until cells fail, the signal margin can be determined. Further, having tested the array cells for signal margin on one logic level, (a low to test the "zero" signal margin in this example) this test may also be repeated for the other logic level (e.g. high). The signal margin for the other logic level may be determined by ramping V_(PRE) as appropriate (e.g., above V_(dd) /2) during the block array write operation and, then, reading the array normally as described above.

Thus, a DRAM may be tested for signal margin according to the present invention, much more reliably and accurately than prior art DRAMs. Furthermore, testing a DRAM according to the present invention does not require (and therefore, does not incur the overhead from) including a reference cell, nor from capacitive coupling devices. Also, sense timing problems encountered by prior art DRAMs are avoided. An additional feature of a DRAM including the signal margin test capability of the present invention, the entire array may be initialized to all ones or to all zeroes during system initialization by forcing V_(PRE) to V_(dd) or ground, respectively.

Built-in redundant column or word lines may be used to replace weak cells identified by testing the DRAM according to the present invention.

While the present invention is described in terms of preferred embodiments, it is understood that numerous variations and modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art without departing in spirit from the claimed invention. It is intended that the scope of the claims include those modifications and variations that fall within the spirit of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A method of determining cell signal margin in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) comprising the steps of:a) Writing a voltage level into a plurality of memory cells; b) Reading data from each cell in said plurality of memory cells; c) Comparing the read data with an expected result; and d) Reducing said voltage level and repeating steps a)-c) until said read data is different from the expected result.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step a) of writing the voltage level comprises the steps of:i) Driving a plurality of word lines high;ii) Forcing a sense amp enable and a plurality of bit lines to a test voltage level; and iii) Driving said plurality of word lines low.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step a) of writing the voltage level further comprises after the step iii) the step of:iv) Driving said sense amp enable and said plurality of bit lines to a pre-charge voltage.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step b) of reading each cell comprises the steps of:i) Driving a selected word line high; ii) Enabling at least one sense amp after a signal develops on at least one bit line responsive to said selected word line, said at least one sense amp setting responsive to said signal; iii) Selectively coupling said set at least one sense amp to a Local Data Line (LDL), whereby said set at least one sense amp drives data onto said LDL; and, iv) latching said data on said LDL into a second sense amp.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step b) of reading each cell comprises, before the step ii) of enabling said at least one sense amp, the further step of: ii') Selectively isolating at least one bit line pair from a sense amp, whereby at least one bit line pair remains coupled to at least one sense amp.
 6. A method of determining cell signal margin in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) comprising the steps of:a) Driving a plurality of word lines high; b) Forcing a sense amp enable and a plurality of bit lines to a test voltage level; c) Driving said plurality of word lines low; d) Reading data from each cell connected to each of said plurality of word lines; e) Comparing said read data to an expected result; and f) Reducing said test voltage level and repeating steps a)-e) until said read data is different from the expected result.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising before the step d) the step of:c1) Driving said sense amp enable and said plurality of bit lines to a pre-charge voltage.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein the step d) of reading each cell comprises the steps of:i) Driving a selected word line high; ii) Selectively isolating at least one bit line pair from a sense amp, whereby at least one bit line pair remains coupled to at least one sense amp; iii) Enabling said at least one sense amp after a signal develops on said at least one bit line pair coupled to said at least one sense amp responsive to said selected word line, said at least one sense amp setting responsive to said signal; iv) Selectively coupling said set at least one sense amp to a Local Data Line (LDL), whereby said at least one set sense amp drives data onto said LDL; and, v) latching said data on said LDL into a second sense amp.
 9. A method of determining cell signal margin in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) comprising the steps of:a) Driving a plurality of word lines high; b) Forcing a sense amp enable and a plurality of bit lines to a test voltage level; c) Driving said plurality of word lines low; d) Driving said sense amp enable and said plurality of bit lines to a pre-charge voltage e) Reading data from each cell connected to each of said plurality of word lines by the steps of:i) Driving a selected word line high, ii) Selectively isolating at least one bit line pair from a sense amp, whereby at least one bit line pair remains coupled to at least one sense amp, iii) Enabling said at least one sense amp after a signal develops on said at least one bit line pair coupled to said at least one sense amp responsive to said selected word line, said enabled at least one sense amp setting responsive to said signal, and iv) Selectively coupling said set at least one sense amp to a Local Data Line (LDL), whereby said set at least one sense amp drives data onto said LDL; f) latching said data on said LDL into a sense amp; g) Comparing said read data to an expected result; and h) Reducing said test voltage level and repeating steps a)-f) until said read data is different from the expected result. 